FLAGGED DOWN

Keith Richards of Boca Raton doesn't referee 60-70 youth soccer games each year for any personal gains. Like so many other volunteers, he does it for the kids.

That is why Richards admitted to being a little overwhelmed to being chosen along with three other South Florida referees to call the action at the Florida Cup "Final Four" youth soccer tournament in Jacksonville this weekend.

"It's quite an honor," said Richards, the only adult among the area group, which includes three Coral Springs teenagers. "I'm really looking forward to working these championship matches."

Jill Grimaldi and Julie Imburgia, both 16, and Jeff Palgon, 17, all of Coral Springs, joined Richards at the tournament.

The locals were among approximately 50 referees picked from a statewide pool of nominations by district administrators throughout the state.

Although the tournament brought together the best traveling teams Flroida had to offer, and emotions were running high, the local officiating crew was nevertheless ready for the challenge.

"It's very rewarding to get out there and know you're in total charge of the game. There's a great feeling of authority but also one of responsibility," said Imburgia.

Grimaldi said: "When I make a call, I feel like I'm helping that kid learn. "I like watching them improve and better understand the importance of playing the game right."

Bob Schiano, governing leader for this area, has watched the Coral Springs youths officiate matches over the past three years.

He most recently saw them in action at the President's Cup competition in Jupiter for the top "B" squads statewide.

The way they handled not only the players, but also the vocal coaches and parents, impressed Schiano.

"Very business-like and professional," said Schiano. "You sometimes lose sight of the fact that these are young people who have put refereeing ahead of their social lives, and who are always willing to devote time to officiate a game when needed."

Grimaldi and Imburgia, who attend Coral Springs High School, play for teams in the Coral Springs Under-19 girls division. Imburgia's team won the gold medal in this year's Soccer Bowl.

For Palgon, a senior at Taravella High School, refereeing is as exciting as playing on his Under-19 soccer team.

"It's a great challenge. You are in charge of the game, and you have to call it fairly regardless of how much pressure you get from coaches and parents," Palgon said.

All of the officials are required to attend a United States Soccer Federation-sponsored certification course, consisting of 10 hours of instruction over a five-day period. There is also on-field and written testing involved in becoming certified.

More and more, young players who have advanced through the program are being recruited to referee games starting at the recreational level.

"If it weren't for our players showing an interest in refeering, youth soccer programs such as ours in Coral Springs probably wouldn't exist because fewer and fewer adults and parents want to get involved anymore," Schiano said.

"So these young people are our future not only in being business and government leaders, but also in keeping alive the dreams of those who want - like themselves - to be able to participate in youth sports programs."